PROGRAM INFORMATIONDistress Centres of Greater Toronto is a service agency dedicated to providing timely emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention to people in distress. We provide free, confidential support through our different programs to support marginalized populations across the GTA.We offer four placement positions in our different programs to support the various needs of the GTA community.

Language Lines Program:

• Able to provide phone support in Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, and/or Urdu
• Available to complete placement hours between Monday-Friday 10am-10pm
• Provide confidential support to our Outbound clients through social/emotional support calls, medicationreminders, and safety check in calls
• Interested in completing in person outreach for language line programs and facilitating mental healthworkshops for community members in Peel Region and Toronto

Please note, an agreed upon schedule will be decided through collaborative discussion between the supervisor and practicum student. Changes to such a schedule will be discussed with and agreed upon by the supervisor before they are made.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete 36-42 hours of training and assessment to proceed with placement, which involves 5-7 hours ofpreparatory reading, 27 hours of classroom training, and approximately 4-8 hours of coaching shifts.Consistently utilize the tools and skills taught in the classroom training
• When needed, support callers with information and referrals for Elder Abuse situations and/orsuicide/crisis risk assessments and de-escalation and possibly immediate confidential crisis support
• Provide callers with confidential service using active listening and solution focused therapytechniques
• Offer support, handle/manage crisis situations over the phone or via our text support program, and giveappropriate information and referral
• Assess risk by exploring concerns, clarifying, discussing options to support callers
• Summarize calls and create reports and receive continuous feedback
• Performs any other duties as assigned/directed

OTHER GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED:Training:

• If desired, work towards mentoring roles and support new volunteers through on-the-lines training

Volunteer Support and Engagement:

• Update volunteer information and complete reference check calls
• Assist in arranging socials/recognition events for volunteers
• Assist with daily correspondence and scheduling of volunteers

Community Information, Outreach and Miscellaneous Tasks:

• Assist staff with outreach for volunteers and clients in the Peel Region and/or GTA
• Attend community events to promote DCGT to the GTA community
• Research relevant topics to the services of DCGT and/or training
• Assist in data entry, intakes, discharges, organizing files, other admin duties on a regular basis
• Other duties as may be assigned

To apply, use the following application link: https://bttr.im/d4egz

QUALIFICATIONS
•Over 18 years of age •Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, MS teams)
•Clear Vulnerable Sector Check submitted prior to placement start date
•Good listening and communication skills
•Ability to be level-headed in crisis
•Team player with an ability to multi-task
•Accepting callers with a variety of concerns
•Ability to follow policies and procedures
•Teachable; open to learning and receiving feedback
•Excellent command of the English language (spoken and written)
•Ability to work remotely (access to personal computer and private space to conduct shifts)
•PC running Windows 10 or MacOS 11.X.X or greater (cannot use cell phones or Chromebook, Windows 7 is nolonger supported)
•Stable and secure Internet connection (password protected hi-speed Wi-Fi internet connection with 30 Mbpsdownload, 5 Mbps upload, Ping below 80ms, Jitter under 10ms)
•Reliable computer with Processor: 2.5 GHz+ or Mac M1, memory: 8 GB of RAM
•Complete 25-29 hours of training and assessment to proceed with placement, which involves 8 hours of preparatory reading, 13 hours of classroom training, and approximately 4-8 hours of coaching shifts. Consistentlyutilize the tools and skills taught in the classroom training

Prior to volunteering all students receive extensive training to prepare you for impactful service. Our training is in depth and covers topics such as; the solution focused method, active listening, setting boundaries, responding to clients with a variety of mental health concerns, crisis responding and child/elder abuse.

Complete 25-29 hours of training and assessment to proceed with placement, which involves 8 hours of preparatory reading, 13 hours of classroom training, and approximately 4-8 hours of coaching shifts. Consistently utilize the tools and skills taught in the classroom training.